Overview
Not only does the 2023 IS wear the Lexus coilover grille better than most of its stablemates, but it’s also better looking than most other cars in the compact sport-sedan class. It’s a shame its performance isn’t on par with cars like the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, and Genesis G70. Even the top-spec IS500, with its range-topping V-8 engine and IS’s best suspension, fails to handle and reward as we’ve come to expect in a sports sedan. The entry-level IS300’s turbo four feels underpowered but the middle-of-the-road IS350’s V-6 is more refined—though it’s not particularly quick by sports sedan standards. The IS does a better job of emulating the luxury cars built for the comfort of other Lexuses, with a compliant and easy ride. Likewise, the cabin is well built with premium materials and generous features. So, maybe the IS is a sedan for people who want a car that looks sporty but drives cool.
What’s New for 2023?
For 2023, the IS350 F Sport and IS500 F Sport models get a new wheel design, with the latter model coming with 19-inch Enkei rollers. A special appearance package for the IS500 F Sport Performance Premium model includes Molten Pearl exterior color with black leatherette interior upholstery and unique BBS forged alloy wheels; only 150 will be built. The IS350 F Sport also gets a new appearance package, but instead of the Molten Pearl color, Lexus has opted for Incognito exterior paint with an Obsidian-colored hood; only 480 of these will be offered for sale.
Price and Which One to Buy
While we’re most intrigued by the high-performance IS500 model, its price may put it out of reach for many buyers. If that’s true for you, we think the mid-range IS350 F Sport with rear-wheel drive offers most of the IS’s performance appeal. The F Sport package not only offers more aggressive exterior styling but also comes with unique 19-inch wheels with larger rear tires, a cold air intake system, limited-slip rear differential, F Sport exhaust, and heated and ventilated sports seats. We’ll also opt for the Dynamic Handling package, which includes an adaptive suspension system.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The 2023 IS has three engine options: 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the IS300, the 311-hp V-6 in the IS350, and now the 472-hp V-8 in the IS500 F Sport Performance model. We’ve never been fans of the four-cylinder in previous IS300 tests, as its boring character is no match for the car’s athletic chassis and luxurious, refined personality. Ordering the V-6 lets the IS stand out and unlocks the F Sport package, which brings a host of performance upgrades like a limited-slip rear differential, staggered 19-inch wheels and an optional adaptive suspension. When we are tested rear-wheel drive IS350 F Sport, we recorded a quick 5.6-second zero to 60 mph time—average for this fast class. Looking for the ultimate IS? The V-8 powered IS500 models is to be considered. On our test track, it did a solid 4.3-second zero to 60 mph run.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
The EPA has given the most efficient IS—the four-cylinder rear-wheel-drive IS300 model—a fuel economy estimate of 31 mpg highway and 21 mpg city. The V-6 IS350 is rated as high as 28 mpg highway and as low as 19 mpg city; The IS500 is rated at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. When we drove the all-wheel-drive IS350 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, it delivered 30 mpg. For more information on IS fuel economy, visit EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Although not as spacious or as luxurious as Lexus flagship LS sedan, the compact IS still offers a premium experience. Power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start are all standard features, while a power sunroof and leather upholstery are optional. When IS is redesigned for the 2021 model yearLexus made few changes to the interior, but discerning eyes will notice relocated cup holders, circular air vents near the door panels and an infotainment system that has been moved closer to the edge of the dashboard.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard and also uses a console-mounted touchpad; A larger 10.3-inch display is optional and comes with in-dash navigation. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa are compatible with either system. As in Previous generation ISa Mark Levinson premium stereo system is available as an option, but this time it has 17 speakers and 1800 watts of power.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Lexus continues to offer suites driver assistance features as standard on the IS line. For more information on IS crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning with lane keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The IS has comprehensive coverage highlighted by the best powertrain warranty. The first year of scheduled maintenance is included at no charge.
- The limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Free scheduled maintenance covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance
Vehicle Type: front engine, rear wheel drive, 5 passenger, 4 door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $57,575/62,075
Options: Premium (heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera, power rear sun visor, park assist, Mark Levinson speakers, three-beam LED headlights), $4500
ENGINE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and head, ports and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 303 in34969 cm3
Power: 472 hp @ 7100 rpm
Torque: 395 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arm/multi-link
Brakes, F/R: 14.0-inch vented disc/12.7-inch vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S001L
F: 235/40R-19 92Y; R: 265/35R-19 94Y
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
Length: 187.3 in
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 56.5 inches
Passenger Volume: 92 feet3
Trunk Volume: 11 feet3
Curb Weight: 3969 lb
C/D TEST RESULT
60 mph: 4.3 seconds
100 mph: 10.4 seconds
1/4-Mile: 12.8 seconds @ 112 mph
130 mph: 17.5 seconds
The above results leave a 1 foot launch for 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed (gov ltd): 149 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 159 feet
Road grip, 300-foot Skid Pad: 0.89 g
C/D OIL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 20/17/25 mpg
2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport
TYPE OF VEHICLE
front engine, rear wheel drive, 5 passenger, 4 door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$55,220 (base price: $43,925)
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and head, ports and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 211 in33456 cm3
Power: 311 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arm/multi-link
Brakes (F/R): 13.2-in vented disc/11.7-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S001L, F: 235/40R-19 92Y R: 265/35R-19 94Y
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
Length: 185.4 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 56.5 inches
Passenger volume: 92 feet3
Trunk volume: 11 feet3
Curb Weight: 3801 lb
C/D TEST RESULT
60 mph: 5.6 seconds
100 mph: 14.2 seconds
130 mph: 26.0 seconds
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 seconds
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 seconds
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 seconds
1/4 mile: 14.2 seconds @ 100 mph
Top speed (claimed mfr): 143 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 155 feet
Road grip, skid pad 300 feet: 0.89 g
The standing start acceleration time leaves a 1-foot launch of 0.3 seconds.
C/D OIL ECONOMY
Observed: 26 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 23/20/28 mpg
C/D TESTS EXPLAINED
More Features and Specifications